In his short tenure as head of the Environmental Protection Agency, former Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt has been no stranger to criticism from the far left, as the agency he leads moves away from the draconian directives of the previous administration.

Congressional efforts to put federal regulatory authority in the hands of state regulators is a welcome idea and the most effective way to ensure oil and natural gas regulatory programs are tailored to the specific needs of those living and working where oil and natural gas production is present.

The biggest threat to what has proven to be a great economic boost for eastern Oklahoma is not the volatile price of oil and natural gas. It’s not the ability to find and keep qualified workers. It’s a beetle.

For working Oklahomans who have suffered through one of the most difficult industry downturns in recent history, President Donald Trump’s effort to unleash America’s energy production is music to their ears and offers a new hope after years of struggle.

Donald Trump’s election-night victory is a welcome signal that the avalanche of burdensome regulations burying Oklahoma oil and natural gas producers is over as President Obama counts his final days in office.